The landscape of global technology is shifting, and the “center of gravity” is moving toward New Delhi. On January 8, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a historic roundtable at his residence, 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, with the founders and CEOs of 12 Indian AI startups.
Calling these entrepreneurs the “co-architects of India’s future,” the Prime Minister emphasized a vision where Indian innovation doesn’t just follow global trends but sets them. This meeting comes just ahead of the much-anticipated India AI Impact Summit 2026, signaling the government’s aggressive push to make India a global AI powerhouse.
The “Elite 12”: List of AI Startups Invited to the PM Modi Roundtable
The startups invited were not chosen at random; they are the finalists and qualifiers of the “AI for ALL: Global Impact Challenge.” These companies represent the vanguard of India’s Generative AI, healthcare, and linguistic technology sectors.
| Startup Name | Core Focus Area | Impact Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Avataar | Generative AI & 3D Content | E-commerce & Marketing |
| BharatGen | Foundation Models | Multilingual LLMs |
| Fractal | Advanced Analytics | Enterprise Data Decisions |
| Gan | Video Synthesis | Personalized Marketing |
| Genloop | Engineering Simulations | Industrial Research |
| Gnani.ai | Conversational AI | Speech-to-Text & Multilingual |
| Intellihealth | AI Diagnostics | Healthcare & Medical Research |
| Sarvam AI | Indic LLMs | Indian Language Models |
| Shodh AI | Material Research | Advanced Science & Physics |
| Soket AI Labs | Foundation Models | Indigenous AI Infrastructure |
| Tech Mahindra | Enterprise AI | Global Digital Transformation |
| Zenteiq | Text-to-Audio/Video | Media & Content Creation |
Why This Roundtable Matters: A Paradigm Shift in Indian Tech
For years, India was seen as the “back office” of the world. Today, the narrative has flipped. During the discussion, PM Modi highlighted that India is no longer just a consumer of technology but a creator of world-class solutions.
1. Promoting Indigenous Content & Languages
A major takeaway from the roundtable was the emphasis on Indic LLMs (Large Language Models). PM Modi suggested that Indian AI should be distinct, promoting local content and regional languages. Startups like Sarvam AI and BharatGen are already leading this charge, ensuring that AI speaks the languages of the “Next Billion” users.
2. The “Made in India, Made for the World” Spirit
The Prime Minister assured full government support for these startups, urging them to build models that are:
- Ethical & Unbiased: Guarding against algorithmic prejudice.
- Transparent: Ensuring users understand how their data is used.
- Privacy-Centric: Adhering to the strictest data protection principles.
Expert Insight: India as the Global AI Hub
The startup leaders shared an interesting observation with the PM: the global center of gravity for AI deployment is shifting toward India. With our massive data sets, a booming talent pool, and a government willing to invest in GPU infrastructure, the “India AI Mission” is becoming a reality.
“India has the capacity for both innovation and large-scale implementation. We must present a unique AI model to the world that reflects our spirit of frugal innovation.” — PM Narendra Modi
Key Discussion Pillars: Where is Indian AI Heading?
AI in Healthcare & Science
Startups like Intellihealth and Shodh AI are utilizing artificial intelligence to solve complex problems in diagnostics and material research. By automating the analysis of medical scans or simulating new material properties, these companies are shortening research cycles that used to take decades.
Generative AI for the Digital Economy
Avataar and Gan are transforming how we shop and consume media. From creating realistic 3D models for e-commerce to synthesising personalized video content, these startups are making digital experiences more immersive and accessible.
Engineering & Industrial Simulations
With Genloop and Fractal, India is moving into “Deep Tech.” These companies provide advanced analytics and simulations that help industries optimize supply chains and design better engineering components using data-driven insights.
Conclusion: The Road to the India AI Impact Summit 2026
The roundtable serves as a curtain-raiser for the India AI Impact Summit scheduled for February 2026. This summit will bring together 300+ exhibitors and global leaders to discuss “Responsible Intelligence.”
As we look at the list of these 12 startups, it is clear that India is building an ecosystem that is affordable, inclusive, and transparent. The message from the Prime Minister’s residence was loud and clear: India’s AI journey has just begun, and the world is watching.
